Norwich City’s run of 6 games unbeaten came to an inglorious end on Saturday as Portsmouth added to the list of teams that come to Carrow Road and make the home side look less than they are.

It is difficult to be upbeat after watching your side go down, and many bloggers, including former players, point out that Norwich City are still punching above their weight.

That might have been true up to a quarter of the way through the season, ten games should see the harsh reality of Championship football erase the feel good factor that comes from winning the Division One title.

No, Norwich are halfway through the season and are still holding their own. Surely an indication of a side that has earned their place near the top of the table, and not just there on a “confidence trip”.

Which makes it harder to understand Saturday’s defeat. The whole performance lacked any “oomph”. If we were to accept that we are no more than a very good Division One side, out of place in the Championship at all, then, yes, we were no better and no worse than could be expected.

First impressions are that City perform better on the road than they do at home. The stats prove otherwise. Only two defeats were converted to draw on our travels. So why is it that our home games, with the notable exception of the local derby, seem so drab?

One reason could be the absence of Grant Holt. Now, no team likes to admit that they are a one-man outfit. Paul Lambert would deny it, as would every other player.

So why did it seem, on Saturday, that nobody knew what to do in the final third without Grant Holt to aim for?

Take nothing away from Portsmouth, they grabbed their opportunities with both hands and went back to Hampshire with all three points. A win without the bell!

Leon Barnett marked the news of his transfer in January with a red card for two yellows. In frustration, he threw the ball at referee Simon Hooper, for which he apologised after the match.

Norwich did demonstrate periods of having the upper hand. Added up, many would say that City had it for most of the game, with Portsmouth winning it in the 20 minutes or so that they were on top. It amounted to nothing, though, as City failed to capitalise on their superiority.

There were chances – good chances. Chrissy Martin, Andrew Crofts and Henri Lansbury all came close. The worst miss was down to Simeon Jackson. Note to coaching staff; make Jackson practice shooting with left foot as well as right.

Although, in fairness, a lot of practice should go to every player in taking advantage of opportunities. First lesson, there are more options available to you when Grant Holt is not playing.

There seems to be a bit of something distasteful among the players, as well. Why won’t players pass to certain people? Is Simon Lappin everbody’s hate figure? The number of times he was unmarked on the left and called for the ball, only to be totally ignored. Elliot Ward most noticeable for this.

The referee was giving nothing to City, but as has been pointed out before, the opponents probably feel that they got nothing, either.

As for the booing after the final whistle, perhaps frustration at a lack of purpose in going forward as the clock ran down. To concede a penalty in the 6th minute of added on time just demonstrates a failure to push forward.

All in all, another brave performance from City, but more ways of winning must be found for times when Grant Holt is not playing.

Photo: Action Images

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